Federal Judge Blocks Trump Election Integrity Order in 19 States

A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked key provisions of President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at overhauling federal election procedures, ruling that the order likely violated the Constitution and state powers to regulate voting. The judge halted requirements for documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote and prevented the federal government from banning states that count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, affirming states' authority over their own election rules. The decision was prompted by a coalition of 19 Democrat-led states challenging the order, arguing it unlawfully interfered with states' election administration. The ruling emphasized that while U.S. citizenship is required to vote, Congress has not authorized a documentary proof requirement, and ballots postmarked by Election Day should be counted regardless of when they arrive. California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the decision, calling the order an unconstitutional attack on voting rights and pledging to continue opposition. This ruling follows a previous federal judge's similar block on other parts of the executive order, marking a significant setback for the Trump administration's election integrity efforts.